Greetings!

This Sunday, we continue our journey of faith by exploring the vital, yet challenging, call to love our neighbors. Proverbs 27:5-6, 17, will offer us wisdom on honest friendship with the poignant reminder that at times, "faithful are the wounds of a friend" and "iron sharpens iron". This scripture invites us to consider that true, loving community isn't always comfortable; it requires the courage to be honest and the vulnerability to be shaped by one another. What does it say about us, to love and care for a friend enough, to accept the risk of painful truth telling? What reserves do we have to call upon within us to acknowledge the painful truths about ourselves we are told? This is what we'll explore on Sunday, and how God is in the midst of it all. 

Whether you're new to faith, been here "forever," questioning, or seeking a spiritual home that celebrates the humanity of all kinds of people and God's good creation, this is a congregation that welcomes you as you are. So come as you are! Bring your in-between hopes, doubts, and dreams as we journey further into this sermon series together.

Yours, 

Pastor Annanda

Please join us immediately following the Sunday service for our Coffee Hour (in-person in Trinity Court or online via Zoom).

bit.ly/SVPCCoffeeHour

Theme for Sunday

"I get by with a little help from my friends."

The Beatles, With a Little Help from My Friends, 1967 album Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band.

Questions for Reflection

• Verse 5 in Sunday's scripture suggests open rebuke is better than hidden love. When has a friend's difficult but honest feedback, while initially painful, ultimately proved to be an act of deep care and respect in your life?

• The metaphor "iron sharpens iron" implies friction, pressure, and mutual change. In your closest relationships, how do you create a safe space for this kind of challenging, growth-oriented interaction without causing harm?

• These verses distinguish the "faithful wounds" of a friend from the "profuse kisses" of an enemy. What qualities in a relationship make you trust that a critical word comes from a place of love, and how can you embody those qualities yourself?

Proverbs 27:5-6, 17

Better is open rebuke

than hidden love.

Well meant are the wounds a friend inflicts,

but profuse are the kisses of an enemy.

Iron sharpens iron,

and one person sharpens the wits of another.